So something dumb is happening now that it's your eighth grade year. Maybe you've got a bad teacher, or maybe there's been a new dress code rule implemented that's getting everyone in trouble. Enough is enough. Just because you're students doesn't mean you aren't people, too. It's time to fight back, it's time to change something. But how? Maybe a strike?

Steps

1

Decide why you want to start a strike. There are many reasons you might want to start a strike in eighth grade, but some of them may not do much good. It's pointless to strike against having to come to school at all, for example, because federal law states that everyone must attend mandatory schooling. Instead, find a more compelling reason to start a strike. Is there an unfair dress code rule that's getting people in trouble for nonsense reasons? Or is there so much homework being assigned that virtually nobody has time to participate in any outside activities?

Be careful about protesting certain school rules. It may seem ridiculous to you that your school has a rule forbidding you from using your phone during class for any reason, but even if you're the type of student who wouldn't abuse this privilege to text people or use the internet during class, not every student would do the same. But if the girls at school aren't allowed to wear shorts, and the boys are, that may be easier to protest.

2

Decide what will define this strike. Since every strike is different, you'll need to come up with how this strike will work. It needs to be appropriate for the situation, and not cause harm to anyone or anything. For example, if you want to protest a dress code rule, you could get everyone possible to violate that rule on the same day or throughout the week, or if you're protesting the amount of homework being given, you could get everyone to leave their homework behind in the classroom.

Do not strike by damaging school property, hurting others, or vandalizing. This will get you in trouble and the school will refuse to see your way - and you may end up with jail time if what you do is bad enough.

3

Plan how long the strike will go on for. A common belief is "we'll strike until they change what we're protesting", but sometimes it can take quite a long time for something to change. The school year might even end before the administration does something - or they may not do anything at all. Come up with a reasonable timespan for your strike if it doesn't work immediately. Will it last a few weeks? A few months?

4

Talk to other people. See if your classmates believe that there's a problem. Sometimes, you may think there's a serious problem in how the school does something, and your friends don't think there's an issue with it. If others - even your friends - think that you're making a big deal out of nothing, it may be difficult to get others to back you up and strike with you, and you won't be able to really make an argument.

You may be able to convince others that the situation is unfair. Try creating an explanation as to why it's not fair, and be persuasive about it. However, don't make up lies or propaganda to just get people to join you. When they inevitably find out, they'll no longer trust you and won't be willing to strike with you, even if the cause is a good one.

5

Gather people to strike. Begin by talking to your friends - your friends are probably more likely to have the same views as you. Explain to them that you're planning on organizing a strike, and you want them to join you. Tell them the idea, what the strike will consist of, and give them some time to think about it.

Don't expect all your friends to jump on board with this idea. Some of your friends may have strict parents and would get in serious trouble for not doing their schoolwork, ending up in the principal's office, or getting dress-coded. Others may worry about the risk of losing eighth grade graduation privileges. Try to come up with ways to persuade them, but if they're truly uncomfortable with the idea, don't force them. This is a middle school strike, not a revolution against an unjust dictatorship (although it may feel like one).

6

Spread the word. Start with your friends. Get your friends to tell their other friends, and encourage people to talk about it with each other. Make sure the word gets out to everyone in the grade level. And if it extends to more than just the eighth graders, more power to you! It can speak wonders if the seventh graders, or even the sixth graders, start joining in.

Getting word out about the strike is fairly easy in a small school. Word spreads fast.

7

Begin the strike. Put your strike into effect; violate the dress code, stop doing or taking home homework, do whatever your strike entails. The school will be in chaos - just the way you want it!